First-Year Summer Institute

First-year Summer Institute (FSI) is a three-day intensive leadership program for incoming ODU students held during the summer (transfer students are welcome). FSI builds on the leadership skills of our new students and provides them with a jump-start to becoming acclimated to campus. The students engage with faculty, staff, and current student leaders.

The three sessions include varied experiences to match participants' interests (see schedule below). All participants are connected with resources for leadership engagement on campus, research, and opportunities to explore career paths.

Students check in around 8:30am on day one of the session and check out around Noon on day 3 of the session. The program costs $50 per student and this covers the cost of room and board, meals, and curriculum materials. Students will be matched with the first-choice session options based on availability. You will receive an approval and confirmation mid-June with further instructions for payment and other logistics.

Students who participate in FSI are more likely to graduate from ODU!

These students are on track as Monarch Leaders and are encouraged to continue their pathway via Monarchs LEAD, ODU's Comprehensive Leadership Program.

At the end of this program students will:

• Establish an academic and involvement goal
• Be more self-aware of their personality/learning preferences
• Develop skills for successfully working in groups and teams
• Gain awareness of involvement and leadership opportunities and academic resources
• Learn about the Social Change Model of Leadership Development